A Budget-Friendly Feast

When you invite friends over for dinner, the last thing you want to worry about is the price of the meal. Our Spanish-inspired menu includes a drink, a variety of hearty tapas-style bites and a dessert. The grand total for all the ingredients comes in under 30 bucks — which gives even the cheapest takeout a serious run for its, err, money.

Photography by Stephen Johnson

Grilled Peach Iced Tea

Just a single grilled peach adds a distinctive charred sweetness to this summery drink. And if guests are asking what they can bring to the party, suggest bourbon. A little bit mixed into a glass of tea makes for a pleasant cocktail.

Baked Mini Churro Bites

Baked is definitely better (and easier) than fried for these delicate cinnamon-and-sugar pastries — and again, you avoid spending a bunch of money on frying oil. We love the sweet, summery caramel-mango dipping sauce as an alternative to the traditional chocolate sauce.